Cardinals’ Grichuk ‘ahead of schedule’ in injury recovery

Randal Grichuk is slated to be the Cardinals' starting center fielder in 2016.

Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals are expecting an encore performance — or better — from outfielder Randal Grichuk following his breakout 2015 season. Undergoing surgery to repair a hernia injury in December, the Cardinals are hoping Grichuk will be ready to go for the start of spring training.

According to Grichuk, via the Cardinals’ official Twitter, he is "at a physical therapy facility every day" and "ahead of schedule.

In 2015, Grichuk batted .276/.329/.548 with 17 home runs, and 47 RBI in 350 plate appearances. While he saw success, he did spend two separate stints on the disabled list due to a lower back strain and a strained right elbow. Currently, Grichuk is slotted to be the every day starter in center field for the St. Louis in the 2016 season.